Record-card-controlled machine for sorting and the like



I April 2, 1929- J. w. BRYCE 1,707,755

RECORD CARD CONTROLLED MACHINE FOR SORTING AND THE LIKE Filed Nov- 19, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 .1. w. BRYCE 1,707,755 RECORD CARD CONTROLLED MACHINE FOR SORTING AND THE LIKE e Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 19, 1924 mi rl\ LI Q J. W. BRYCE April 2, 1929.

RECORD CARD CONTROLLED MACHINE FOR SORTING AND THE LIKE Filed No 19, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 m N l \I w .R w a. u 60 O O O O O 06 O 0000 OO O G O O0 OO O w 2: vow

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J. W. BRYCE April 2, 1929.

RECORD CARD CONTROLLED MACHINE FOR SORTING AND THE LIKE Filed NO 19, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 nun": r1111 J. w. BRYCE 1,707,755

RECORD CARD CONTROLLED MACHINE FOR SORTING AND THE LIKE April 2,- 1929.

6 Sheets-Sheet 6 I I vweutoz 2 44417).- M

Filed Nov. 19, 1924 33nd GUM M0135 a V Patented Ap z, 1 9229.

UNITEDYSVTATES PATENT OFFICE-,2

Jmnsw. aronet nnoou'rrnma, NEW

JERSEY, nssrenon 'r-o rim mnum'rm'e MACHINE COMPANY, OF ENDICOTT, NEW YOBK' A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

BiEOORD-CABD-CON'IBOLLED MAGHINE FOB SORTING AND TEE'LIKEQ. 4

Application filed swa 19, 1924. Serial 1m 750,732.

lhis invention relates to machines especially adapted for sorting record cards in tabulat ing systems which use the Pelrce combinational hole system of index point perforations, as distinguished from cards of the Holleriph type which use a single hole difieren: tial y ositioned in the card column.

Int e Peirce system the reading position is a particular zone on a card and the holes are variously arranged in that zone instead of being positioned anywhere in a card column extendingirom top to bottom ot't he card, as in'the Hollerith.

My present invention is an improvement onthe machine described in'detail in patent to E. A. Ford, No. 1,657,654 dated January 31,4l928fa1id my patent No. 1,651,179 dated;

1 November 29, 1927 which disclose sorters of the horizontal type, designed to sort Hollerith and Peirce cards electrically and deposit each class in its proper station.

' My present invention is a sorter torlPeirce cards, in which it is possible with one run or cards through the machine tofirst take out all in a plurality of columns in a'certain zone on the cards,-' and then,'ii desired, sort the remaining cards into the regular 0,1, 2, 3, 4 5, 6,

7 8, 9, and reject stations, in the usual way Further and other advantages of the preseht invention will hereafter appear in the ac-- companying specificationsand claims and the drawings, which by wayot illustration show what now consider to be a preferred embodiment of the-invention.

r Fig, 1 is the front elevation of a sorting machine to which my device is adapted.

V Fig- 2 is. a section through the feeding mechanism, showing also some conveyor rolls, andth eanalyzing or sensing devices tori-the first two stations, which are the multiple digit'stations...

Fig. 3 15 n extension of .Fig. 21th the left a sorting devices [for the single iligit stations.

Fig. 4 is a plan view eta portion t t-Fig. 2, showing rolls and drives therefor, a' set of multiple digit brushes and its plug heard, and other details. Fi 5 is a plan view of a portion of Fig. 3 showing rolls and drives therefor, brush holder for single digit stations, and other details.

.;Fig. 6 is a cross section through a card'and cards having a certain combination or digits 7 showing additional rolls, and somefoii the a set-of multiple digit contact ads, also details of the wiring to the plug oard.

Fig. 7 is a plan view showing arrange ment of multiple digit contact pads.

Fig. 8 is a detail of the worm gear drive of the rolls.

Fig. 9is-a typical Peirce record card showing combinational perforations in the control zone.

F 10 illustrates the Peirce code.

, Figs. 11 and 11 together form a diagram of the electric circuits of my invention. I Referring to Fig. 1, the frame 30is mounted on legs 31. Underneath themain frame,

and carried by the legs, is a shelter subframe 32 supporting the motor 33, which drives the 7o machine fromfpulleyB-d by belt 35 to pulle 36 fast to shaft 37, which runs the full long of the machine, in the rear, pulley 36 being on one end of-it and ha'ndwheel 38 on the other.

lin operation a stack of cards to be sorted is placed in the feed magazine, as at 55, the oporator adjusts his -analyzing brushes, and when the motor is started the picker drum feeds the card, one by one, from the bottom of the stack into the conveyorrolls, which carry them along horizontally above the receiving stations until each card is deflected downwardly into one of the receiving stations, which are tullydescribed in thepatent to E. A. Ford, above referred to. i

The feed mechanism consists "of the rotary picker drum 61, driven from shaft 37.. Drum 61 carries in its rim a number of picker blades 69 extending lengthwise ofithe. drum and projecting therefrom a distance slightlyless than the thickness of a card. I As the drum revolves, each blade in turn picks a cardfrpm the bottom of the stack 55 and feeds it through the micrometer openings 72 provided between the bottom of fixed plate 7 3 androllers74l, into the control of the conveyor rolls.

i The upper conveyor rolls are designated 82, there being two of them fast on shaft 83, "while directly under each of these rolls is a lower roll 84 fast'on shaft 85. The rolls are driven'by worms 86 on shaft 87, through spiral gears 87 fast on shafts 83 and 85. All rollsoare driven at the same speed and are of the same diameter, the upper sets turning clockwise and the lower sets counter-clock- "wise so as to draw the cards between them. .Each upper pair of rolls is downwardlyspring-pressed against the corresponding .1 7; in the second column. holes at B and D I lower set by adjustable spring clips 92. It is found that his conveyor system insures that the exact distance between cards will be maintained throughout their travel, which is an essential feature in theoperati'on of my invention.

Record card.

i The Peirce combinational hole system may .be understood by reference to Figs. 9 and 10, which show a typical control zone of a. card, and the Peirce code for numbers, respectively. v v

An inspectionof Fig. 10 shows that'the use of either one or two holes, and four po-' sitions, can be made to designate all of the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. .For convenience of description I have designated the four positions by letters A, B, C, and D.

' Reference to Fig. 10 shows that a single hole in D position means 0, while a single hole in A position means 1; in B osition the single hole. means 2, and in the ition-5. Two holes, one at A and one at mean 3, while' two holes,,one at C 'and one at D, mean 9, and so on. v

This code enables us to interpret the meaning of the holes in the card itself. For instance in the column furthest to the left we find holes in A- and 13 positions,- which means mean 4, while in the third column holes at- B andC mean 8, and so on.

Single-digit analyzing and diatfibuting a system.

In the embodiment of my invention herein described, the card, on being fed from the stack, passes first through two plural-digit anal Zing-stations and then passes to the ten sin l -digit and reject stations. I

or convenience and clarity of description I shall firstexplain the' single-digit portion of the machine and later described those features of the invention which pertain especially to the plural-digit system L F .Crosswise of the frame of the machine and fastened theretoJ-at their ends, are a aplw rality of rods 100, one for each single git station. These rods are parallel to shafts 83 and in approximately the same plane. Each ported by the non-conducting block 106 rigdly secured to the frame ofrthe machine..

cycle.

There is an individual contact strip 1 5 for each individual brush.

These contact blocks 106 and their corre sponding brushes, are exactly a card cycle apart, so if the control zone ofany card in the conveyor system is under a set of-brushes,

then the controlzone of every card passing through the rollers is also under a set of brushes.

Cards are fed bottom first, and the sets of brushes vare arranged according to the Peirce system so that the first set from the right will sense 9, the second set will sense 8, the third set 7, and so on in the order 6,

4, 3,2, 1, 0, and 5. The 5 is placed out of its regular numerical order so that the cards will ass under all the two-brush code combinations before passing under the single brushes, otherwisethe single brushes might sort out some two-hole combinations, as will appear from later description. The above arrangement will be apparent from Figs. 2 and 3, in which I have lettered the four brush positions A, B, C and D, to correspond with Fig. 10. It 'wi be noticed that the two brushes in the station to the right in Fig.

3am in B and D positions, which means 4;

at the middle station they are at positions A and C, which means 3, while atthe station to the left the single brush is in B position, meaning 2. This will also be apparentfrom Figs. 11 and 11',- in which the brushes are shown in full lines and the vacant brush 'po-. 'sitions are dotted. For instance, at station 0 there is a brush and contact stri at positibn D only, whereas at station 3 t ere are brushes and contact strips at A and C.

Adjacent each'receivmg station except the final, or reject, station, is a magnet 107- with its coil in series with the brush or brushes of that station. Controlled by each magnet is a deflector plate 108, hinged at 109 and carrying downwardly extending arm 110 drawn to the right by spring 111.

On thesame shaft with picker drum 61 is a four-lobed cam 112. Extending lengthwise of the machine is a push rod 113, actuated by Y cam 112 through roller 114 carried by block 115 on the end of rod'113. The rod 113 is pushed-to the left by the cam, and returned by spring 116, four times for every revolution of the picker drum, or once for every card At each receivin station except R, the push rod carries a pin 117 so positioned that when rod 113 is pushed to the left, pin 117 will carry with it arm 110, which isrigidly attached to deflector 108,'and thereby lower the uppen end of the deflector below the plane of passing cards. Each magnet is provided with an 'armzr ture 118 carried on one arm of a lever 119, pivoted at 120, and having at its end a'shoulder 121. This arm of the lever is normally held' in raised position by the spring 122 50 maintain relay lit-1 energized so long as pulling downwardlyon the bpposite end of lever-119, Y

When pushed to the left by pins 117, arms 110 are latched on shoulders 121 of lever 119,

and deflectors 108 are below the plane of passing cards. This is normal position If, how- I ever, a magnet be energized, its lever 119 will he drawn down, the corresponding arm 110 will follow its pin 117 to the right on the back stroke of rod 113, the deflector of that station will be raised, and the card will be de-- posited in the station under the deflector. On the next stroke of rod 113 to the left, arm 110 will resume its latched position on shoulder 121. This raised position of the deflector is shown in the middlestatiomin Fig; 3, in which it will be noticed that the brushes to the right have both contacted through their card, thereby energizing the magnet of the: center station and causing, the card through which contact was made, to go into' the station corresponding to that magnet. Electrz'osystem.

On the same shaft with picker drum 61 isa gear 122, geared in the ratio 4 .to 1 tothe smaller gear 123, so that gear 123 makes one revolution for each card fed from the stack. Secured to gear ,123 is the cam 124,0pe'rating against the spring blade 125 to make and break contact 126. The drawing-illustrates only part of the cam contact'combination, which, is the conventional cam and contact device used in tabulating and sorting machines, driven' synchronously with the card movementto make the brush circuit just before a perforation reaches the brush and break the circuit just before the brush leaves the perforation inthe'card; This device is,

jshiown diagrammatically in Fig. 11, at the e t. Referring to Figs, 11 and 11 the motor 33 is started by depressing start key 127. This closes a circuit from source 215, switch 216 having been previously closed, through the stop keys 128, through control refay R1,

- motor relay R-2 and back to the other side of source. Cards'now'startto pass through the machineand upon actuation of the card lever 129 the card lever contacts 220 close and cards continue passing through the machine or until one of the stop keys 128 is depressed.

The opening of contacts 220 or the depression of one of the stop keys 128 will open the circuit of relay R'-1 thus cutting motor relay R-2 out of circuit and interrupting'the circuit to motor 33 The contact mechanism 12a is so timed that it sends an impulse to a control circuit 221 once for every card cycle,

the impulse occurring while the control zone of the card is under the brushes. As shown in the diagram there, are a number of branch cir-' 'cuits 222 connecting to the control circuits, conhection being made through individual switches 130. 'Magnets are disposed-fin the return leads 225, one of which leads is provided for each brush combination. 'As' shown in Fig, 11 a return wire 226 is provided from the return control line 224 which extends to and ,connects with the opposite side of the source of current. It will be understood that if at the instant a-brush or a pair of serially connected brushes rests upon a blank card or upon a blank portion of the card, no contact will be established through the card with contact strips 105. Then no circuit is completed through the brush circuit, the magnet 107 will not be energized,

the defiectdr will remain down and the card will pass on to the next station for further examlnation.

If, however, a single brush finds a hole, or

a double brush both its holes, at the time the impulse is sent through the control circuit, then the magnet controlled'by that brush will act, its deflector will be raised, and the card will go. into the station under the deflector.

The stations arearranged in the order 9,

I 8, 7, 6, 4c, 3, 2, 1, 0, and 5, sothe cards will pass through all the two-brush analyzing devices I before reaching the one-brush stations, other-- wise some single brushes would 'actuate deflectors by making contact: through Single holes of two-hole combinations. For 1nstance, the 5 brush would act for allcards having holes in (3 position thus including all 3, 8, and 9 cards. Howe en due tomy sequence of stations, all 3', 8, and '9 cards are sorted before station 5'is reachedtv v Singze digit operation;

Before beginning to sortv a promiscuous stack of cards the operator sets the brush holders 101 on rods 100 so thebrushes 1041 will traverse the card column to be analyzed and sorted.

While my sorter is in operation contact is made at 126 once for every card cycle, and

a contact is made at the instant the card is in proper position on the contact blocks 105 for the brushes to properly analyze the perfora tions in the card, as previously explained.

If a set of brushes finds its particular combination of holes its magnet is energized, its deflector raised, and the card will go into the station under that deflector. If a-' set of brushes finds its particular combination, it

actsiotherwiseit lets the'card pass on to be examined again at each succeeding station.

If no combinational holes are found in the column of the control-zone being analyzed, the card will pass to the final station, marked R, or reject The above description covers straight sorting, and it is evident that the cards are To sort more than one combinational setof holes .in a single column, as for instance 9 and 7, all switches except 9 and 7 are opened.

Then all cards with a 9 combination will go to the 9 station and all cards with a 7 combinationwill go to the 7 station, all other cards going to the R station. 1

Another valuable feature of my present invention is its ability to sort in more than one column at atime, in one run. This is possible on account of having a settable brush ateach station. Suppose, for instance, the operator wants to take out allcards having a 9 combination in the first column, and all those hav-' ing-the2 combination in the seventh column.

At the 9station the brushes are positioned to the first column, and at the 2 station the" brush positioned at the seventh column.

,All other brush circuits are opened, Then when the cards are run through, all cards with 9 in the first column will 0 to station 9,. All cards with 2 in the sevent column, without 9 in the first column, will go to the 2 station. The cards in the 9 station will then be run through again withonly the 2-brush circuit alive. In this way the cards with 9' in the first column will pass on to the 2-station without hindrance, and any of them with 2 holes the'seventh column will go to the 2 station.

I Plural-digit sorting. I

I shall now describe the design and operation of the plural-digit devices as embodied in the first twostations of my machine, the station nearest the feed mechanism being designated Z, and the next one Y.

The rolls, conveyor system, and magnet l of the deflector are all the same as in featu fsare so modified as "to enable them to sort out plural-digitnumbers from Peirce cards.

For instance, suppose it is desired to sort out all cards having the combination shown in thelast four columns of the control zone of the card in Fig. 9, which portion of the zone I have marked-Y. Reference to the ngle-digit Q'evice, but the analyzing code in Fig. 10 shows the number represented 435 by the holes in section Y to be 3785.

After the card emerges from the micrometer openings72, and before reaching the de-- flector of the Y station, it passes under a set of sixteen brushes 204 whichnormally con-- tact with sixteen contact pads 205, spaced to correspond to the index positions on'thc card, as shown in Fig. 7. The-brushes are held by non-conducting brackets 206 and the contact pads by the non-conducting'bracket 207. Both brackets 206. and 207 extend crosswise of the machine and are rigidly fastened thereto at their ends (Fig. 4).

Each brush is wired toa tap in the plug board 208, and each pad is wired to a tap in the plug board 209, both plug boards extending fromthe side of the machine as indicated in Figs. 4 and 6. This arrangement allows the operator to so connect up his plug board that the circuit will be complete through the v, brushes only when'the predetermined combination of holes isbnderthe brushes.

.The wirin is arranged in the plug boards in Fig. 4 an in the diagram in Fig. 11 so the brushcircuit is complete only when the combination representing 3785 is under the brushes, which combination allows current to flow from the common line 210 down through the C brush in the digits column,then through the brushes in the tens, hundreds, and thousands columns, andfinally out from the pad and into the return line at 211.

, If a card with this combination of holes is under the brushes when contact is made at 126 the brush circuit will be complete, mag net- Y107 will be energized, deflector Y108 will be raised, and the cardwill go into the Y station, where it belongs. It is evident alsothat if the plu board be wired as shown no other combina ion of card perforations will allow completidn of the cirunder the A brushin the thousands column cuit, and such cardswill passon for further examination at succeeding stations.

If it be desired to sort out a numberfrom some other section of the control zone, as for instance the section marked 'Z, then that set of brushes and contact pads plural-digit through which the Z section of the card will pass, is wired at its plug boards just as described above for section Y, but for the correot combination. Fig. 7 shows the Z contact pads, and Fig.11 shows the Z plug boards before the combination is set up on them. The Z section ofthe control zone in Fig. 9 represents 1260 according to the code,

so if both plug boards are wired up and the sorter started, all cards reading 1260 in the Z section will go into the Z station, all cards reading 3785 in the Y section will go into the Y station,and all cards showing neither of the above combinations will pass on for sin-v gle-digit sorting. I have shown only two.

plural-digit stations, but as many may be used as the capacity of the card per'mits. I also contemplate shifting the brushes forthe multiple digit reading brushes in the same manner as'provided for the single-digit brushes. With such a construction suitable provision must be made for securing individual column and position contacts.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have herein described the principles of operation of my invention, to, gether with the apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment-thereof, but I desire to have it understood that the apparatus disclosed is pur ly illustrative and that the invention may e carried out by other means. Also, While it is designed to use the various features and elements in the combinations and relation described, some of these may be altered and others omitted and some of the features of each modification I may be embodied in the others without interfering with the more general results outlined, and the invention extendsto such use.

I/Vhat I claim is p 1. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, means to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of combinational holes in a. plurality of columns.

2. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, means to analyze combinational holes. of said cards while the cards are in motion, and means to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns. b

3. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, means to analyze combinational holes of said cards by means of electric currents flowing through holes in the cards, and means to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns. p I

4. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, means to analyze combinational holes of said cards by passing electric currents through the holes while the cards are in mo tion, and means to segregate on one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality; of columns.

5. Ina machine of'the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, meansto analyze combinational holes of said cards by means of electric currents flowing through holes in the cards, and magnetic. means controlled by said analyzing means to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination holes in a plurality of columns.

- 6. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, means to analyze combinational holes of said cards by meansof electric currents flowing through holes in the cards, and means to segregate in one run cards having any de-' sired combination of holes in a plurality of columns, said analyzing means comprising a plurality ofv contact brushes.

7. In a machine of the character described,

' in combination with means for feeding record analyzing means to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns;

8. In a machine of the character in combination with means for feeding record cards, means to analyze combinational holes of said cards by passing electric currents through the holes while the cards are in motion, and means to segregate'in one run cards assented,

having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns, said analyzin means comprising a pluralityof contact rushes.

9. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, means to analyze combinational'holes of said cards by means of electric currents flowing through holes in the cards,'and means to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns, said analyzing means comprising a plurality of contact brushes a plurality of corresponding contact pads.

10. In a machine of the character de scribed, in combination with means for'feeding record cards, means to analyze combinatibpnal holes of said cards by passing electric c will rrents through the hole while the cards are in motion, and means to se regate in one run cards having any desire combination of holes, in a plurality of colums, said analyzing means comprising a plurality of contact brushes and a plurality of corresponding contact pads.

11. In a machine of the character. described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, means at each station to analyze combinational holes in said cards, and means at each station to segregate i one run cards having any desired combination of holes "in a [plurality of columns.

12. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality'of receiving stations, means at each station to analyze combinational holes in said cards While the cards are in motion, and means at each station to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns.

13. In a machine of the character described,

.in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, means in said cards by passing electric currents through the holes, andmeans at each station to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination otholes in a plurality of columns.

14. In a machine of the character described,- in combination with means for feeding record iv cards, a plurality of receiving stations, means at each station to analyze combinational holes in said cards by passing electric currents throughthe holes while the cards are in motion, and means at. each station to segregate n one run cards havmg'any deslred combination of holes in a plurality of columns.

15. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, means ing any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns.

l6 In a machine of the characte described, in combination withmeans for fee 'ng record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, means at each station toanalyzecombinational holes in, said cards by passing electric currents through the holes while-the cards are in motion, and magnetic means at-each station to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality 0f to analyze combinational holes in said cards a by means of electric currents flowing through 1 columns. g

17. In a machine of thecharacter described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, means at each station to analyze the combinational of the control zone.

v 18. In a machine of the character described,

' in combination with means for feeding record cards having. acombinational hole system of index perforations arranged in a control zone, a plurality of receiving stations, means at each station to analyze the combinational holes upon a ortion of the control zone by passing electric currents through said holes, and magnetic means at each station to segregate in one run cards having any desired, com-- bination of holes'in a plurality 'of columns in said portion of the control zone.

19. In a machine of. the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a control circuit, means to analyze combinational holes in said cards by means of electric currents flowing through holes in the cards, and means to segregate in one run cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns, said analyzing means comprising a plurality of contact brushes together with means to complete said control circuit when, and only when,-the desired combination of holes is under the brushes, 1 a

20. In a machine of the character described, in combination-with means for feeding record cards, a control circuit, mean to analyze combinational holes in said cards y means of elec-. tric currents flowing through holes in the cards while the cards are in motion, and means to segregate in one run-cards having any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns, said analyzing means comprising a plurality of contact brushes together with means to complete said control circuit when, and only when, the desired combinationof holes is under the brushes. v

21. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a control circuit normally open,

' gether with means to complete said control circuit through the contact brushes when, and only when, the desired combination of holes is under the brushes.

22. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a control circuit normally open, means holes in the cards while they are in motion, and means to segregate in one run cards having any desiredcombination of holes in a plurality of columns, said analyzing means comprising a plurality of contact brushes and a plurality of contact pads, together with means to complete said control circuit through-said-control brushes a'ndsaid contact pads when, and only when, the desired combination of holes is under the brushes.

23. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding rec- .ord cards, a control circuit normally-open,

a plurality of 'contact brushes cooperating with combinational holes upon the card to analyze the holes while the card is in motion, and means comprising a plug-board permit ting said contact brushes to be so wired as to complete the control circuit when, and only when, a desired combination of hole's in a plurality of card columns is under the rushes. 1 1

24. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a control circuit normally, open, a plurality of contact brushes cooperating with combinational holes upon the card to. analyze the same while the card is in motion, a plurality of correspondingcontact pads, and means comprising a plug board vfor the brushes and a plug board for the contact pads, permitting said brushes and said pads to be so wired as to complete the control circuit when, and only when, a desired combination of holes in a plurality of card columns is under the'brushe's.

25. In a, machine of the character dc scribed, in combination with means forfeeding record cards, acontrol circuit, a combi-. national hole analyzing means comprising a plurality of contact brushes 1n series ,111 Sfild control circuit, a magnet in said'contrbl circuit in series with the brushes, and a deflector operable by the magnet.

26. In a machine of the character de;

scribed in combination with means for feeding record cards, a control circuit, a combi'-.

national hole analyzing device comprising a plurality of contact brushes in series in said control circuit and arranged to analyze cards while the cards are in motion, a magnet in said control circuit in series with the brushes, and a deflector operable by the magnet.

27. In a machine of the char ter described, in combination with means or feed ing record cards, a. plurality of receiving stations, combinational hole analyzing means including *a control circuit at ,eachstation, a magnet in each control circuit, a deflector at each station controlled by said magnet, each of said deflectors being normally in non-deflecting position but movable todefleeting. position when the magnet is energized.

28; In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of'receiving stations, a control unit at each station, said control unit including a combinational hole analyzing means comprising one or more contact brushes, a magnet, 21. deflector, and a control circuit, said brushes and said magnet' being in series in said control circuit, and

. said deflector being operable by said magnet.

29. In a machineot the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards a plurality of receiving stations, a control unit at each station, said control unit including a combinational hole analyzing means comprising one or more contact brushes and arranged to analyze cards in motion, a magnet, a deflector, and a control circuit, said brushes and'sa-id magnet being in series in said control circuit and said deflector being operable by said magnet, v Y

30. In a machine of the character described,

in combination with means for feedin record cards, a feeding device, a plurality o receiving stat-ions, a conveyor common to all the stations, a control unit at each station; said control unit including a combinational hole analyzing means comprising one or more con tact brushes, a magnet, a deflector, and a 'con trol circuit ;-5said brushes and said magnet being in series in said control circuit, and said deflector being operable by said magnet.

, 31. In amachine of thecharaeten described, in'combination with record cards a feeding,

32. In a machine of the character described,

in combination with record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, a control unit at each abalyzing means station; said control unit including a combinational hole analyzing means comprising one or more contact brushes, a magnet, a deflector,

and a control circuit;-said brushes and said magnet bemg in series in said control circuit,

and said deflector beingoperalble by said magnet.

33. In amachine oil the character described, ,in combination with record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, :1. control unit at. each station; said control unit including a combina'tional hole analyzing device comprising one or more contact brushes, a magnet, a de-- flector, and a control circuit; said brushes and said magnet being in series in said control circuit, said deflector being operable by said magnet; and means to permit said analyzing devices to analyze more than one section on the card, in one run;

' 34. In amachine of the character described,

in combination with record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, a control unit at each station; said control unit including a combinational hole analyzing device comprising one or more contact brushes, a magnet, a deflector, and a 'control circuit; said brushes and said magnet being in series in said con trol circuit, said deflector being operable by said magnet; and settable means to render any of said control units inoperative.

35. In a machine of the character described, a

in combination withrecord cards, a plurality of receiving stations, a combinational hole analyzing deyice at each station, a magnet controlled by said analyzingdevice at each station, a deflector controlled by said magnet at each station, a push rod common to all the stations, said; push rod moving all deflectors to non deflecting' position once every card cycle each of-said deflector's'being released to deflecting position by itsmorresponding magnet-whenever said magnet is energized by its corresponding analyzing device. v

36. In a machine of the character described, in combination with record cards,- a device for feeding cards at equal intervals, a conveying means which preserves'said equal intervals, a plurality of control circuits, and a plurality of combinational hole analyzing devices, said analyzing devices each comprising one or more contact brushes together with means to complete said control circuit through said contactbrushes in series when, and only when, the'proper combination of holes is underthe bru'shes.

37 In a machine of the character described, in combination with record cards, a plurality of receivingv stations, means at each station to analyze combinational hole cards, and means at each station to segregate cards under control of said analyzing device; some of said analyzing-devices being arranged to analyze only one column on the cards, others of said analyzing devices being arranged to analyze anydesired combinatiomof holes in a plurality of columns on the cards.

38. In a machine of the character described,

in combination with record c'ards, a plurality of receiving stations, a conveyor system common to allsaid stations, means at each station to analyze combinational hole cards, and means at each station ,to segregate cards under control of said analyzing means; some of said analyzing devices being arranged to analyze only one column on the cards, others of said analyzing devices being arranged to analyze any desired combination of holes in a plurality of columns on the cards; said conveyor system being so-designed as to carry cards first through the plural column analyzing devices and then carry the remaining cards through the single column analyzing devices. 39. In a machine of the character described, in combination'with record cards, a plurality of devices to analyze combinational holes of the cards,-some of said devices being arranged to analyze single card columns and others of said devices being arranged to analyze a plurality of columns, in one run.

a 40. In a machine of the character described, in combination with record cards, a plurality of devices to analyze combinational hole cards in' motion, some of said devices being arranged to analyze single card columns and others of said devices being. arranged to analyze a plurality of card columns, in one run. 41. In a machine of the character described,

I in combination with record cards, a plurality of devices to analyze combinational hole cards by passin electric currentsthrough the holes, some 0 "said devices being arranged to analyze single candcolumns and others of said devices being arranged to analyze a plurality of card columns, in one run. 42. In a machine of the character described, in combination with record cards, a plurality of devices to analyze combinational hole cards in motion, some of said devices being arranged to analyze single card columns and others of said devices being arranged to analyze a plurality of card columns, in one run.

43. In a machine of the character described,

in combination with record cards, a plurality of receiving station's, a combinational hole analyzing device at each stat1on, each analyzing device being effective only on card index perforations corresponding to its own station, and a card deflecting device controlled by eachanalyzing device, some of said analyzing devices analyzing single columns and others analyzing plural columns on the cards.

44. In a machine of the character described, incombinationwith' record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, a combinational hole ,analyzing device at each station to analyze cards in motion, each analyzing device being effective only on card index perforations corresponding to its own station, and a card deflecting device controlled by each .nalyz'ing device, some of said analyzing devices analyzing single columns and others analyzing plural columns on the cards.

45. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, a card segregating device at each station, each segregating device responding only tohole combinations corresponding to its own station,

some of said segregating devices being controlled by single-column hole combinations,

and others being controlled by plural-column hole combinations.

46. Ina record card controlled machine, in which means is provided for ieeding record cards through the machine, and meansfor analyzing the said cardsfor combinational perforations while the latter are in motion,

said analyzing device comprising brushes cooperating with the cards and forming parts of control. circuits which serially connect such brushes which read multiple holecombinations. 7 4 h 47 In a card sorting machine, in combina- 't on with means for feeding record cards through the machine, a plurality of receiving separate items on said cards, each said separate item comprisingcombin'ational perforations' in at least a plurality of columns, and means controlled-by said analyzing means for segregating in one run card's represent-.- ing each separate item into separate receiving stations. I

48. In a machine of the character described,'in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, and an analyzing device at each station for analyzing acombinational hole system of index perforations, said analyzing device being arranged to analyze the cards while the cards are in motion.

stations, means for analyzing a plurality of 49. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding cards, a plurality of receiving stations, and an analyzing device at each statlon for analyzing a combinational hole system of inc dex perforations said analyzing devices being arranged to analyze the cards by causing electric currents to flow through holes in the cards while the cards are in motion,

50.. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving sta tions, analyzing means at each station for an alyzing a' combinational hole system of index perforations, and a deflecting device controlled by the analyzing means at each station, said analyzing means being arranged to analyze the cards while the cards'are in motion.

51. In a machine of the character described, in combination-with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving sta-. tions, analyzing means at each station for analyzing a combinational hole system of index perforations and a magnetically operated deflecting device at each station, eachdeflecting device being controlled by the analyzing means at the same station, said analyzing means being arranged to analyze cards by causing electric currents to flow through holes in the cards while the cards are in motion.

52. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, and a plurality of devices to analyze said cards for a combinational hole system of index perforations while the cards are in motion, each of said devices being settable to analyze any desired column on the card.

58. In a machine of the character de scribed, in combination with means for feeding record cards, and a plurality of devices to analyze said cards for a combinational hole system of index perforations while the cards are in motion, said analyzing devices being settable to analyze one or more card columns in one run. I

54. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of receiving stations, a device at each station to analyze cards for a combinational hole system of index perforations by causing electric currents to flow through holes in the cards, and a deflector at each station, each of the deflectors being magnetically operable by its corresponding analyzing device.

55. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a device for feeding record cards at equal intervals, and a plurality of devices to analyze the cards for a combinational hole system of index perforations while the cards are in'motion.

56. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a device for feeding cards at equal intervals, a conveying means which preserves said equal intervals, and a plurality of devices to analyze the cards fora combinational hole system of index perforations while the cards are in motion; said conveying and lower driven rolls so spaced that each set of rolls receives the card before the preceding set has released it.

- 57 In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a device for feeding cards at equal intervals, a conveying means which preserves said equal intervals, and a plurality of devices to analyze the cards for a combinational hole system of index perforations while the cards-are in motion said conveying means comprising successive sets of upper and lower driven rolls, the successive sets of rolls being spaced apart a distance less than the width of a card.

58. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a feeding device, a plurality of receiving stations, a conveyor common to all the stations, a device at each station to analyze the cards for a combinational hole system of index perforations in motion, and a card deflecting means controlled by each an alyzing device.

59. In a machine of the character described, in combinationwith means for feeding record cards, a feeding device, a plurality of receiving stations, a conveyorcommon to all the stations, a device at each station to analyze cards for a combinational hole system of index perforations by passing electric currents through holes in the cards while the cards are in motion, and a card deflecting means magnetically controlled by each analyzing dev1ce. 1

60. In a machine of the character described, in combinationwith means for feeding record Cards at equal intervals, a rotary feed roll conveyor system which preserves the equal distances between cards, a plurality of receiving stations, an analyzing device at each station for analyzing a combinational hole system of index perforations, I

each analyzing device being efiective while the cards are in motion and only on'card in-. dex positions corresponding to its own station.

61. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feeding record cards at equal intervals, a conveyor system which keeps the cards in continuous motion and preserves'the equal distances'between cards, a plurality of receiving stations, an analyzing device at each station for analyzing for a combination hole system of index perforations, each analyzing device being efi'ective while the cards are in motion and only on the combinational hole index perforations corresponding to its own station, and a card deflecting device controlled by each analyzing device.

62. In a machine of the character described, "in combination with means for feeding record cards, a conveyor system which keeps the cards in continuous motion, a plurality of receiving stations ,an anaylzing device at each station with provisions for analyzing combinational hole records while the cardsare in motion, said analyzing device being settabl'e to traverse any column on the card.

63. In a machine of the character de-' fscribed," in combination with means for feed in record cards, a conveyor system, a plura ity of receiving stations, an analyzing device at each station with provisions for analyzing combinational hole records while the cards are in motion, and means permitting said analyzing devices to analyze more than one column on the cards, in one run.

64. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feed ing record cards, a rotary feed rollconveyor system, a plurality of receiving stations, an analyzing device at each station with provlslons o records whilethe cards are in mo ion, and

'settable means to render one or m e of said analyzing devices inoperative.

65. In a machine of the cha scribed, in combination with means for feeding record cards, a plurality of devices to analyze said cards 'for a combinational'hole system of index perforations while the cards are in motion, and settable means to'render any vof said analyzing devices inoperative.

66. In amachine of the character de-- scribed, in combination with means-for feeding record card's, an analyzing device for analyzing a combinational hole system of in.- dex perforations while the cards are in motion and a magnet controlled by said analyzing device, said magnet being ineffective except when the roper combination of index perforations is in theanalyzin'g device.

.67; Ina machine of the character described, incombination with means for feed-V ing record cards, a system of contact brushes for analyzing a combinational hole system of index' perforations while the record cards are in motion and a magnet controlled bysaid brushes, said magnet being ineffective except when the proper combination ofindex perforations, in proper location, is under said brushes.-

v 68. In a machine of the character described, in combination with means for feed- I mg record cards, a sensmg device for anacombinational in ex points on a moving record'and means including said analyzing r analyzing combinational hole i t means for controlling machine operatlon in accordance with an analyzed combination of index points as compared'to a predetermined combination.

70. A record controlled machine including record feeding1 combinational in ex points on a moving means, means to analyzerecord and meansincludi'ng said' analyzingv means for controlling machine operation in accordance with analyzed combinations in a plurality of record columns. a

71. Arecord controlled machine includ: ing record feedin means, means to analyze combinational in ex points on a moving record, electrical means for controlling machine operation, a control circuit therefor and circuit closing means in said circuit controlled conjointly from a lural -y of index point combinations in di erent record 001- umns. J

72. A. record controlled machine including record feeding means, means to analyze combinational index point perforations on a moving record comprising coacting con- I .tacts on opposite sides of the record and movable through the perforations to establish electric contact and meansincluding said analyzing means for controlling machine operatlon in accordance with .an anlyzed combination of index points as compared to a predeterminedcombination.

73. A record controlled machine including record feeding means, means to analyze combinational index point perforations on a moving record comprising coacting contacts on opposite sides of the record and movable through the perforations to establish electric contact and means including said analyzing means for controlling machine operation in accordance with conjointan'alyses in a plurality of record columrnis. V

74. A record contro ed machine including record feeding means, means for analyzing combinational index oints on a moving record, said means inc-lu ing selectin means for predetermmmg combinations -toe analyzed and means including said analyzing means for controlling machine operation in accordance with thepresence or absence of the predetermined combinations on a controlling record.

75. A rec rd controlled machine including record fee ing means, means for analyzing combinational index points in each of a plurality of columns of a moying record, said 0 I means mcludmg selecting means for predetermining combinations to,be analyzed in the several columns and means including said analyzing means for controlling machine" operation conjointly from the several columns in accordance with the presence or absence of the predetermined combinations in the several columns.

76. A record controlled machine including an electrically operated controlling device,

means for analyzingcombinational index point perforations on a moving record comprisingpairs of coacting contacts on opposite C sides of the record, one contact of eachpair being movable through perforations in records to engage its coacting contact and a control circuit for said controllingdevice including said pairs of contacts in series.

'77. A record controlled machine including an electrically operated controlling device, means for analyzing combinational index point-perforations in a plurality of record columns concurrently while the record is in motion, said means including pairs of coacting contacts on opposite sides of the record, one contact of each pair being movable through perforations in records to engage its coacting contact and a control circuit 'for said controlling device including said pairs of contacts in series whereby machine operation may be controlled conjointlylfrom a plurality ofcolumns on a moving record each of which columns may contain a plurality of in- 1 dex points.

78. A record controlled machine including record feeding means, means to analyze combinational index points on a moving record,

- means including said analyzing means. for cont-rolling machine operation in accordance with an analyzed combination of index points as compared to a predetermined combination and selective means for selecting the predetermined combination.

79. A record controlled machine including record fecdin means, means to analyze combinational in expoints in a plurality of columns of a moving record, means. including said analyzing means for controlling machine operation in accordance with the conjoint v analysis of the several columns as compared to a predetermined combination and selective means for selecting the predetermined combination.

80. A record controlled machine including an electrically operated controlling device, means for analyzing index point perforations on a moving record, said means including pairs of contacts on opposite sides of the record, one contact of each pair being movable through perforations in records to engage its coacting contact, a control circuit for said controlling device and selective means for connecting in series in said circuit any number of pairs ofcontacts associated with any desired index point analyzing position in-the same" or different record columns whereby machine operation may be controlled con i .jointly from any number of index point positions.

In testimony whereof I hereto afiix my signature.

JAMES W. BRYCE. 

